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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be shocked at the cost of holidays?

310 replies

Fourpawsblack · 30/03/2025 20:08

We haven’t been able to go away for years (pre DC!) due to finances. A falling down house, part time work due to childcare and the cost of living has made for a rough time.

Just started to look at a week away for a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 DC under 6) in Spain for August 2026…£4k was the cheapest I found and that was not a great hotel. It was more like £6k for somewhere with half decent reviews. AIBU to think this is crazy? Is this just what I am looking at?
It would mean saving at least £400 a month for a year to be able to do it which would be very rough.

How are almost all of the kids in my DC classes on holiday every year. Maybe I’m missing a trick. I feel sad for my DC that they should be able to experience going on holiday and can’t. I know it’s a first world problem.

Before anyone brings it up, there’s 0 way we can go at a time not in the school holidays so we are stuck with over inflated pricing. The joys of teaching.

OP posts:
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InMyMNEra · 30/03/2025 20:17

What about Eurocamp type holidays in France?

DuringDinnerMints · 30/03/2025 20:16

Have you tried looking at somewhere outside of the resorts? I find if you're prepared to self cater and drive while abroad, you can get go away for much less. We were recently looking at cottages in the Ardennes and they were a lot cheaper than I expected. The ferry can be a cheaper way to get to mainland Europe.

Could you set a budget and then ask in the travel section for help with an itinerary?

HappyHedgehog247 · 30/03/2025 20:16

Use Skyscanner and search for everywhere on chosen dates and I check multiple dates.
search from multiple departure airports.
Go at the very start or very end of holidays.
Use Airbnb/VRBO/Booking.com etc and we tend to do apartment rather than hotel
Go at Easter or half terms rather than summer

Last Summer we got flights to Southern France for £20 each flying from Bournemouth as our county school holiday started 2 days before theirs. Had never heard of the location but did some research and found loads of lovely things!

We also do ferries instead of planes some years.

good luck! I am keen to learn other tips.

ShanghaiDiva · 30/03/2025 20:15

When my dcs were that age we did a lot of self catering which I preferred as we had more space. We went to the Netherlands a few times as school started back earlier and prices were decent. Weather was not super sunny, but we had a good time with lots of interesting day trips.

PatsFruitCake · 30/03/2025 20:15

In 20 years we took our DC on holiday abroad twice - both times we got free accommodation from acquaintances. I think lots of families don't go on holiday abroad.

Now they're older they can go abroad without us, they've had a happy childhood. I can't get on board with the idea they've been disadvantaged.

barleyx · 30/03/2025 20:14

As an aside have you looked at Euro camp? Or a UK break? Cutting out the flights helps you to save massively. Can still feel like a real break, and can still involve beach etc if you go in the summer

SpringingMar · 30/03/2025 20:13

October half term can be cheaper? My teacher friend and her 3 kids go then instead.

barleyx · 30/03/2025 20:13

Sadly I think that is what you are looking at in terms of price :-( I agree though it’s a real shock when you have not been away for a few years. I would say the prices have basically doubled.
I also can’t understand how everyone is affording it. I assume they just all earn more than us so have money to spare!

Bluebell865 · 30/03/2025 20:10

It's just what it is. My DC are teens and never have been on a proper holiday due to cost. I am more astonished by all the families who can afford it esp in the COL crisis.

SnoozingFox · 30/03/2025 20:10

Because they are going to an apartment not a hotel, or camping, or going to a home owned by a family member or many other reasons.

As always with these threads - it could also be that they just have more money than you. Or are spending on different things.